Welcome to the digital newsletter from the University of Florida Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE). Each semester, you will receive an email highlighting department updates and successes. We look forward to connecting with you.
Message from the Chair
One Department. One Vision. Top 10
As we continue advancing our strategic vision to be a Top 10 program, this semester’s progress reflects the sustained momentum and measurable impact driving ECE forward. Committed to creating the workforce of the future, we are preparing our students to lead with passion, performance and purpose. This issue highlights the people and projects driving impact across artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics and quantum—from Ziqin Ding’s work protecting infrastructure from lightning strikes to Md Jahidul Islam’s advancements in marine robotics. We also spotlight award-winning faculty, including Farimah Farahmandi, and celebrate new endowed professorships made possible by alumnus Chris Malachowsky.
Our commitment to innovation continues through the work of faculty like Laura Kim and Yingying Wu, while students like Matheus Maldaner exemplify excellence in research. You’ll also read about engaged alumni, advisory board members, and our newest Hall of Fame honorees. With $34 million in research expenditures, and now 28 endowed faculty, and leadership across 10 research centers and institutes, UF ECE is rising with purpose.
Mark Tehranipoor, Ph.D.
Sachio Semmoto Chair of ECE Department
EEE Fellow | ACM Fellow | NAI Fellow
Intel Charles E. Young Endowed Chair Professor
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Leading the quantum leap: Meet the UF experts behind the momentum
To get a good window into what the University of Florida is doing in the quantum space, spend some time with Laura Kim, Ph.D., and Yingying Wu, Ph.D. Both are award-winning assistant professors in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and both are gaining attention for their work in quantum research and education. >>>
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UF researchers mine lightning data to protect cell towers
University of Florida postdoctoral researcher Ziqin Ding, Ph.D., and his team are working on a project to protect cell towers and other tall objects from lightning strikes. Using a novel combination of antennas, sensors, and algorithms, Ding’s system is able to detect if a particular lightning strike has impacted a given structure or not. >>>
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Three ECE faculty members awarded new Malachowsky professorships
Yingying Wu, Ph.D., Alina Zare, Ph.D., and Ivan Ruchkin, Ph.D., were awarded newly created endowed professorships thanks to NVIDIA co-founder and UF engineering graduate Chris Malachowsky. >>>
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‘On the right track’: Student AI researcher wins HiPerGator Early Career Award
A College of Engineering master’s student has earned the HiPerGator Early Career Award for his contributions to artificial intelligence research through the Florida Institute for National Security (FINS). >>>
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Honorary Gator Wally Rhines elected into National Academy of Engineering
One of the College of Engineering’s biggest supporters has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, a pinnacle for professional engineers. The academy, known as NAE, announced this week its 2026 membership roster includes Wally Rhines, CEO and director of Texas-based Silvaco and a member of multiple advisory boards within the University of Florida’s >>>
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ECE ‘star Gator’ Farimah Farahmandi wins 40 Under 40 alumni award
Farimah Farahmandi, Ph.D., Walden C. Rhines Endowed Professor for Hardware Security and associate director of the Florida Institute for Cybersecurity, has received UF’s 40 Under 40 alumni award. In April, Farahmandi will also receive the Distinguished Young Alumni Award from UF’s Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering. >>>
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UF’s RoboPI lab making waves with marine robots
Researchers in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s RoboPI Laboratory are developing intelligent marine robots to explore the ocean, monitor ecosystems and help protect critical underwater infrastructure. >>>
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Gator engineer and Autodesk executive Steve Blum will never stop chomping
Every time Texas-based tech executive Steve Blum returns to his beloved alma mater in swampy Florida, he can’t help but smile. >>>
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Two ECE faculty earn prestigious Young Investigator Awards
Two University of Florida engineering professors have been recognized among the nation’s top early-career researchers for their contributions to national defense and security. >>>
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ECE celebrates legendary Gators with Hall of Fame, Distinguished Alumni honors
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) inducted three University of Florida icons into its Hall of Fame Monday and crowned four celebrated engineering graduates as Distinguished Alumni. >>>